Sen. Thune Introduces 'Union Bailout Prevention Act'

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) introduced a bill on Monday called the Union Bailout Prevention Act to stop the Obama Administration from granting unions Obamacare waivers or special taxpayer-funded premium tax subsidies.

“Despite championing ObamaCare’s passage in 2010, union leaders are now awaking to the ugly reality of ObamaCare that most Americans have predicted all along, including higher health care costs,” said Thune. “Now that the full consequences of the Democrats’ law are nearing, these same union leaders are seeking a special backroom deal from the White House.” 

“Rather than take hard-earned money from taxpayers to subsidize union health care plans, the Obama administration should give all Americans a break by permanently delaying this train wreck,” Thune declared.

Obamacare’s Section 1301 makes multi-employer union health plans ineligible from receiving premium tax credits. However, a statement released by Thune says unions are seeking to circumnavigate this language and that his bill “would make it abundantly clear that there is no way for the administration to provide a special fix to appease union pleas.”

The AFL-CIO, which backed Obamacare, has grown increasingly frustrated with the president’s healthcare overhaul. The Nevada AFL-CIO unanimously passed a resolution last month condemning Obamacare and said it would “lead to the destruction of the 40-hour work week, higher taxes, and force union members onto more costly plans.”

Obamacare’s grand opening is in 21 days.